Law Society of Kenya President Faith OdhiamboThe Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has expressed concern over Inspector-General Douglas Kanja’s attendance at President William Ruto’s political rallies in Mt Kenya.
LSK said Kanja’s participation and remarks at a rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, raise worries for the National Police Service.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the Inspector-General has a constitutional obligation to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of political affiliation.
However, in response to LSK, National Police Service refuted the claims and reaffirmed the IG’s unwavering commitment to constitutional impartiality in serving all Kenyans, devoid of political bias.
"At no time has the IG engaged in activities that could undermine the neutrality of his office," NPS said.
NPS said the IG’s presence in Nyeri was strictly in line with his official duties, including oversight of security arrangements during the President’s development tour, a core mandate of the NPS under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011 and the NPS Standing Orders Chapter 7, Section 8.
“The Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) is legally tasked with protecting the President, visiting dignitaries, and other designated VIPs under the direction of the Inspector General of Police,” NPS police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said.
In its statement to newsrooms, LSK also stated that Kanja’s decision to attend and address a political rally was a lapse in judgment made of his own volition, for which he must bear the full consequences of law.
Odhiambo noted that Kanja’s oath of office binds him to abide by the Constitution, all Acts of Parliament, and the orders and regulations governing the NPS.
She stated that Kanja’s address at the rally violated various legal provisions.
“Kanja’s actions are in direct conflict with the constitution, statute, and the National Police Service Standing Orders,” she said.
Odhiambo maintained that Kanja has exposed himself to the risk of removal from office, as the provisions of Article 245(7) stand activated to the extent that Wednesday’s events amount to a serious violation of the Constitution and other laws of Kenya.
“In the circumstances, the Law Society of Kenya demands an immediate public apology by the Inspector-General for his conduct, which is unbecoming of the position he holds,” Odhiambo said.
She equally demanded that Kanja forthwith withdraws and restrains from engaging in any political mobilisation, rallies and/or discourse, especially in his official capacity as the Inspector-General of Police.
“We believe that the Inspector General’s work is cut out for him and is too demanding to allow such unpalatable sideshows, lapses in judgment, and misplaced priorities. We urge Kanja to re-evaluate his tasks and do that which is required of him by the law and the people of Kenya,” she said.
“In the alternative, we invite Kanja to step aside from the position of Inspector-General and allow the role to be occupied by an individual willing to serve all Kenyans without imposing their political biases on the people of Kenya.”
